I was here but now i'm gone! Also post on Dooyoo as BIKE-DUDE.
I was here but now i'm gone! Also post on Dooyoo as BIKE-DUDE.
Member since:18.12.2005
Reviews:83
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ON GUARD- A review by Addy
Background
On Guard is a French made film that was adapted for film from the book titled Le Bossu, (The Hunchback) by the author Paul Feval. On Guard was released in 2004 and is your swashbuckling style movie in the vein of all those classic Musketeer movies or The Count of Monte Christo. Being made in France the film On Guard is in French language with English subtitles. This gem of a film is filled to the brim with conspiracy, action, retribution, love, and passion with a healthy layer of wit to top it all off. However, for me what this film has in such abundance is simply that it is such great fun.
Additional info
Genre: Foreign Films Starring: Daniel Auteuil, Fabrice Luchini, Vincent Perez, Marie Gillain, Sacha Bourdo, Yann Colette, Jean-Francois Stevenin, Didier Pain, Charles Nelson, Claire Nebout, Philippe Noiret Director: Phillippe De Broca Screenwriter: Phillippe De Broca, Jean Cosmos, Jerome Tonnerre Producer: Patrick
Godeau Composer: Philippe Sarde Released: October 18th 2002
Synopsis
The intriguing On Guard, the title should clearly be indicative and leave no ambiguity as to what this film is about as this is the expression used at the outset of a duel. The film is set in the very early part of 18th Century France. The brilliant plot follows the story of an unlikely hero by the name of Lagardere. Though he tries and tries Lagardere never seems to ascend beyond measly mediocrity when it comes to his fencing skills, but in desperation to become a renowned hero like the legends that have passed before him such as D'Artagnan, Lagardere never misses an opportunity to extend his minor repertoire of skills. The Duke of Nevers is a deceptive guy who looks somewhat effeminate, loves crazy wigs, and is a terrible womaniser and looks like he would not be able to handle himself well at all....that is until he needs to use his rapier. Lagardere and the Duke cross swords and in awe Lagardere wants to learn from the Duke, but before long Lagardere makes some unwise decisions. The Duke learns that there are consequences to his actions. One of his sexual exploits as resulted in a birth and a future heir, but the Duke does not shirk responsibility opting to marry the mother and raise the bairn. But Count Gonzague, the Dukes cousin wants all his titles and wealth so he plans to murder the Duke his wife to be and heir. Tension mounts as assassins lie in wait one of which is Lagardere!! In a style and manner commanding the upmost respect the assassins are slain The Duke has some secret techniques that are real tasty especially one that renders the opponent vulnerable and puts a rapier embedded inches into the forehead, right between the eyes...Amazing to watch. The Duke and Lagardere remain but the Duke befriends him. The scene is set, Gonzague is determined and will make more concerted efforts to get what he wants. Not only that the boy heir holds a deep dark secret. Can Lagardere be trusted? What is so special about the heir? Will Gonzague or the Duke prevail, and will Lagardere discover that the hero was within him all along......you bet he will.
A viewers humble opinion
On Guard is a cinematic treat. It is the equivalent of the modern day Errol Flynn movie and holds all the magic of one. I first spotted this film on Amazon and after some investigation I noticed a pattern of consistently high praise, well I need no more convincing to make a purchase. Throughout the film in its entirety it impressed the hell out of me, the sets are impressive and outdoor scenes and camera work, are a testament to the quality of the film. Daniel Auteuil plays Lagardere and Vincent Perez as the Duke are outstanding performances. For me the storyline is beautiful I wish I could tell you about something really wonderful but it would spoil some of the plot. What I can share however is that watching Lagardere evolve as a person and become all that he is destined to be is a real visual treat. The film cover says that some things are worth dying for and all what was needed for Legardere was to find purpose, of which he does in this film. The fencing is fantastic and the is a heroine in the film that will appeal to women in character and to men in looks. Legardere is an endearing character that will hold appeal to both men and women viewers and the film is one that can be enjoyed by all the family.
The film in itself is great fun and there is lots of humour injected into the film. The action is great and the pace of the film is right on the money. The script as far as i can tell is accurately translated into the English subtitles that make for a decent script also. The plot has some nice twists and turns to it to enhance the enjoyment.
My one criticism in a negative light is the ending and it seems not very well thought out. There is not too much i can say without spoiling it so all i can say is i felt it needed more, I hope this is adequate enough for you to get the gist.
Production Year: 1964 - Action/Adventure - Director: Cyril Endfield - Original Language: English - Classification: Parental Guidance - Starring:Stanley Baker, Jack Hawkins, Ulla Jacobsson, James Booth, Michael Caine, Nigel Green
Production Year: 2002 - Action/Adventure - Director: Vincenzo Natali - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring:Lucy Liu, David Hewlett, Anne Marie Scheffler, Joseph Scoren, Matthew Sharp, Jeremy Northam
Action/Adventure - Original Language: English - Classification: 12 years and over - Starring:Jack Ging, Marla Heasley, Lance Legault, Melinda Culea, Mr T, Dwight Schultz, Dirk Benedict, George Peppard, Carl Franklin
Production Year: 1977 - Action/Adventure - Director: Clint Eastwood - Original Language: English - Classification: 18 years and over - Starring:Clint Eastwood, Sondra Locke, Pat Hingle, William Prince, Bill McKinney
Sadly, I'm out of E's today... but I'll be back when I have more! You have an engaging writing style and seem to have similar tastes in films lol. I will definitely have to find a copy of this one. Our family loves all sorts of entertainment revolving around swords lol. We've attended our local Renaissance Festival for about a decade as Queen's Revellers. I'll never forget the year we locked ourselves out of the car in full garb at the small town local grocery! Of course... neither will they! wishing you laughter
in2deep 21.05.2008 10:14
i like the Musketeers movies so i may like this
asomormridul 19.05.2008 19:21
Wonderful review, but I don't think it is my type of movie.
Advantages: really interesting, cool to see Blink grow, lots of videos and pictures Disadvantages: not amazing direction, would have been cool to interview other bands,
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